The Honda Civic Type R is the highest performance version of the Honda Civic made by Honda Motor Company of Japan. It features a lightened and stiffened body, specially tuned engine and upgraded brakes and chassis. Red is also used in the interior to give it a special sporting distinction and to separate it from other Honda models. In Japan, there is a one-make series of Honda Type R cars where privateers can purchase an off-road Type R and compete in a series championship which is a stepping stone for many aspiring racing drivers.

The first Civic to receive the 'Type R' name was based on the 6th-generation 'EK' Civic. The contributing base model was the JDM Civic 3-door hatchback called SiR, code named EK4. Like its big brother the Integra Type R DC2/JDM DB8, the Civic SiR's transformation into a Type R was achieved by working on the base model and improving it to Honda's idea of a car capable of high performance on the circuit.

The first Civic to receive the Type R badge was introduced in August 1997, as the EK9. The EK9 shared many characteristics with the Integra Type R DC2/ JDM DB8 such as omission of sound deadening and other weight-reduction measures, a hand-ported B16B engine, front helical limited-slip differential and close ratio gearbox. The B16B engine boasted one of the highest power output per litre of all time for a naturally-aspirated engine with 185 PS (136 kW; 182 hp) from 1.6L of engine displacement. For the first time, a strategically seam welded monocoque chassis was used to improve chassis rigidity. The interior featured red seats, red door cards, red Type R floor mats, a titanium shift knob, and a Momo leather-wrapped steering wheel.

In 1998, the Civic Type R Motor Sports edition was released. It came with steel wheels, no air conditioning, no power windows, no power steering, and no radio. Standard Type R interior which included Recaro bucket seats, Momo steering wheel, and red carpet with matching door trim.

In 2001 Honda introduced the next generation of the Civic Type R (EP3) as a unique 3-door hatchback to the UK market, which was manufactured in Swindon, England. This EDM (European Domestic Market) Civic Type R featured a 200 PS (150 kW; 200 hp) 2.0L i-VTEC engine (K20A2) and the regular Type R treatment of seam welding, close ratio 6-speed transmission and uprated brakes, but did not include some of the other higher-end features, such as the helical LSD and red Recaro race-seats, that were standard in the previous generation EK9. However, Honda of Japan marketed a JDM (Japanese domestic market) version of the EP3 (which was exclusively manufactured in Swindon, UK and was shipped to Japan), which retained the highly renowned helical LSD similar to that of the EK9 and red Recaro race-seats. Other differences included a more track-oriented chassis/undercarriage settings as compared to the EDM, as well as a 215 PS (158 kW; 212 hp) i-VTEC engine (K20A) had a fully balanced crankshaft assembly with different intake manifold, exhaust manifold, higher-lift camshafts, higher-compression pistons, chrome-moly flywheel and ECU programming. All of the Japan-spec K20A Type-R powertain were built in Japan and were shipped to the Swindon to be install in the Japan-spec Type-R EP3. The JDM EP3 was also available in the traditional Type R championship white while the EDM was not. The EDM has more relaxed gear ratios and some high rpm torque traded for low rpm torque compared to the JDM .

The EDM EP3 Civic Type R was much acclaimed by motoring journalists across the UK, winning 'Hot Hatch of the Year' awards more than once from Top Gear, Fifth Gear and What Car?. The Civic Type R became a popular alternative for mainstream drivers clocking huge sales numbers. The 2001 release of this CTR (Civic Type R), as it is commonly referred to, also indicated Honda's return to Formula One after almost 10 years as an engine supplier to the Jordan and BAR teams - this eventually led to the full-fledged comeback as a dedicated F1 works team in 2005 with Honda gaining full ownership of British American Racing.

2004 saw this successful CTR updated with many improvements - revised EPS with quicker steering, revised suspension settings, projector headlamps (JDM came equipped with halogens only while the EDM came with an option for HIDs with self-levelling motors), lighter clutch and flywheel assembly etc.; based on Honda literature, this facelifted (FL) model was targeted at addressing customers' and critics' feedback such as understeer on the limit (due to the front MacPherson strut setup), numb steering response and lack of low end torque.

The base price for the 2001 Civic Type R (EP3) in the United Kingdom was of £23,100 (about USD $34,650).[1]

In 2003 - 2004 facelift and pre facelift Honda decided to celebrate 30 years of producing the Civic by offering a special edition 30th Anniversary Type-R for the EDM. The special edition features special red sports seats Type R from world renowned seat maker Recaro, air conditioning, leather MOMO steering wheel, red carpets and door linings and privacy glass on the rear windows. 30th Anniversary models were available in Nighthawk Black, Satin Silver and Milano Red. Only 300 of these models were produced, 100 in each colour.

In 2005 Honda introduced the Premier edition which had Recaro Trendline seats (similar to those found in the Anniversary Edition, only in red and black rather than all red), a darker shade of fabric on the rear seat centre sections, a Momo Steering Wheel, Red Carpet, "Type R" embossed into the front brake callipers and privacy glass on the rear windows. These were available in Milano Red, Nighthawk Black, Cosmic Grey and Satin Silver.

The third generation Civic Type R was offered in two distinct forms: one developed for the European market and one for the Japanese domestic market, matching the availability of their regular 8th gen. counterpart.

The Japanese market Civic Type R (FD2) went on sale on March 30, 2007. For the first time, the JDM Civic Type R was sold as a four-door sports sedan rather than a three-door hot hatch. Using the Japanese market four-door sedan as a base model meaning the new Type R is now bigger, wider and heavier. More importantly, the wheelbase has grown from 2,570 mm (101.2 in) to 2,700 mm (106.3 in), giving the FD2R a more stable stance in high speed cornering. The new Japanese model's engine output is higher than the European version's, with 225 PS (165 kW; 222 hp) being developed at 8,400 rpm and 215 N·m (159 lb·ft) of torque peaking at 6,100 rpm (versus 201 PS (148 kW; 198 hp) at 7,800 rpm and 193 N·m (142 lb·ft) at 5,600 rpm for the European model). The base engine itself is borrowed from the Accord Euro R CL7 with its longer intake manifold. Changes have been made to the block in terms of mounting points for ancillary parts making it different from previous K20A. New technology such as drive-by-wire throttle and porting of the intake valve ports using techniques from the NSX are implemented. Honda says mid-range is increased by 10 PS (7 kW; 10 hp). Drive is fed through a close-ratio six-speed gearbox, and a helical limited slip differential is fitted as standard. The front brake discs increased from the DC5R's 300 mm (11.8 in) to 320 mm (12.6 in) fitted with four pot Brembo callipers. Tire size is now 225/40 R18 running on Bridgestone Potenza RE070.

Honda claims the chassis is 50% more rigid than the previous Japan-only DC5 Integra Type R, and the new model features an independent rear suspension rather than the torsion beam configuration used on the latest European Civic Type-R.[3] To save weight, aluminium is used extensively and bonded with adhesive instead of welded. Though the chassis is larger and more rigid than JDM Integra Type R, it is only 1.8 kg (4 lb) heavier.[4]

A typical interior of a Honda Civic Type R (Japan)

Exterior wise, the front bumper is wider and different from the standard Civic designed aerodynamically. The rear bumper features a diffuser built into the bumper and completing the aero package with a huge rear wing. Inside, the trademark black and red bucket seats are no longer made by Recaro as with previous versions, but designed in house by Honda. Also gone is the Momo made steering wheel, instead replaced by a Honda made version. The familiar red-on-black colour scheme or black-on-black scheme is offered on Championship White and Super Platinum Metallic Silver while a black-on-black scheme with red stitching is for the Vivid Blue Pearl only.

In October 2008, the Civic received a minor face lift. The standard and hybrid versions now had a similar front bumper as the Type R while the head lamps gets a smoked tint and also redesigned tail lamps changes the round insets into octagons. The Type R also received new colours, with Premium White Pearl, Premium Deep Violet Pearl and Crystal Black Pearl being added and Vivid Blue Pearl being dropped.

In a back to back test on the United Kingdom TV program 5th Gear, the FD2 Type-R was three seconds quicker than the equivalent FN2 UK version around Castle Combe Circuit in the wet.[5]

Only about 13,000 units FD2 Civic Type R were produced until it ceased production in August 2010 due to failure to meet the upcoming emission requirements. Following the previous success following the introduction of the FN2 Civic Type R from Europe in 2009, another batch of FN2 Type R with minor updates were available in fall 2010.[6] The FN2 Type R has 197 hp (147 kW) vs the 225 hp (168 kW) output in the FD2 Type R.[7]

In addition to Civic Type R, 300 Honda Civic Mugen RR cars available exclusively in Milano Red had also been produced for Japanese market, which reduced weight to 1,255 kg (2,767 lb) using CFRP bumpers and aluminium for the bonnet. The engine is rated 240 PS (180 kW; 240 hp) at 8,000 rpm and 218 N·m (161 lb·ft) torque at 7,000 rpm achieved through Mugen parts such as camshafts, exhaust system and ECU. Other exclusive items that make this a collector's item are Recaro SP-X seats and other Mugen items inside while special 18 inch Mugen 7-spoke wheels come equipped as standard. This version costs 4,777,500 yen (4,550,000+tax) ($38,750 USD) and went on sale on Sept 13 2007.[8]

Mugen also debuted Civic Type-RR Experimental Spec concept car in Tokyo Auto Salon, which features 2157 cc K20A engine rated 260 PS (190 kW; 260 hp) and 237 N·m (175 lb·ft) of torque. Weight is further reduced using aluminium hood (4.6 kg (10 lb)), as well as the new titanium exhaust system (7.6 kg (17 lb)). Interior was replaced with more carbon fiber parts. The car also features Intelligent-Tire Condition Monitoring System (i-TCMS) and Recaro seats.[9]

A race version called Honda Civic Mugen RC has also been produced, designed for the 2008 Honda Exciting Cup Civic One-Make Race-Civic Series.[12] The engine is the stock K20A engine from FD2 Honda Civic Type R. It comes with following models:

The European market Civic Type R is offered only as a three-door hatch back and uses a different chassis and internal layout (notably tank placement below the driver's seat), which will serve as base for the next European Jazz. The rear suspension, formerly a double wishbone setup, has been changed to a less complex torsion beam axle. The drive train is largely the same as the outgoing model, offering 201 PS (148 kW; 198 hp) at 7,800 rpm and 193 N·m (142 lb·ft) of torque at 5,600 rpm,[15] with 90 percent of peak torque is available from 2,500 rpm.[16] It runs on 225/40 R18 Y88 Bridgestone Potenza RE050A tyres, while optional 19-inch Rage alloys run on Yokohama Advan Sport 225/35 ZR19 88Y tyres. The car has a curb weight of 1,340 kg (2,950 lb).

The suggested retail price (MSRP) for the Civic Type R in 2007 was £17,627 (UK), or about USD $35,254.00 at the exchange rate when launched.[17]

Type R GT includes, dual zone climate control (Left:right independent), rain sensing windscreen wipers, refrigerated glove box, automatic headlights with dusk sensor, front fog lights, power folding door mirrors, cruise control, front and rear curtain airbags. It is finished in the same three colours as the standard FN2, and a new addition the range, deep sapphire blue pearl. As often, names and trims vary even within domain markets down to local ones, and a Heritage version replaces GT version in some of them, adding Xenon/HID lights to the mix. The topping Heritage Navi version adds Bluetooth telephone system and voice recognition DVD satellite navigation. A more radical version dubbed Race differs from the Heritage by removing components (incl. HID, AC, fog lights, audio system, sound proofing, some airbags) to reduce weight as much as 40 kg (88 lb). Finally, together with the 2009 revision to all 8th gen. EDM Civic variants (adding for example a USB iPod-compatible plug to the audio system), a special edition called Championship White comes in the eponyme Honda colour, with the same alloys only with matching white colour, 18" wheels (19" white Rage optional). This edition adds an exclusive limited slip differential to a Heritage trim level, which Honda touted at Paris Motor Show as helping the car shave off more than a second to its undisclosed Tsukuba lap time. In addition models made from 1 March 2010 have LSD fitted as standard.

Production of the current generation of the Civic Type R hot hatch for the European market finished in October 2010. The car’s high-revving 2.0-litre VTEC engine is to blame, as it does not meet forthcoming Euro V emissions regulations. Instead of re-engineering the unit to meet the stricter standards, which come into force for all new cars in January 2011, the UK market Type R will be axed and replaced by a new model when the all-new Civic arrives in late 2011. Over 12,000 Civic Type Rs have been sold in the UK since January 2007, and although the last UK cars will be sold by December, Honda’s Swindon plant will continue to build the car for the Australian markets. It is also exported to Japan and marketed as Civic Type-R EURO in limited edition in fall 2010, following a successful run in November 2009.[18] According to Autocar, Euro V emission requirement also caused the demise of Alfa Brera with 3.2 V6, Ford Focus ST, Mazda RX-8 and the VW Group’s 5.0 V10 turbodiesel.[19]

Top Gear Magazine awarded the European Civic Type R its 'Hot Hatch of 2007',[20] praising the car's controls and comparing it favourably as a driver's car to its rivals, the Stig qualifying it as 'an utter gem'.[21] However the television show Top Gear later criticized the new FN2 Chassis version, due to the different suspension and added weight. Jeremy Clarkson said it "just doesn't feel that quick" and that "all the poise and controllability that you used to get in the old car is just sort of... gone". The car has met with criticism from Evo Magazine, as well, who complained that it falls short dynamically when compared to rivals like the European market Ford Focus ST, Opel Astra OPC/Vauxhall Astra VXR and the Volkswagen Golf GTi particularly in the areas of steering and chassis balance,[22] although the magazine has praised the improved steering feel and more evenly distributed torque of the FN2 compared to the previous EDM EP3.[23]

The FD2 Civic Type R was officially launched to the Malaysian market on August the 2nd 2007. It was the first time that any Type R JDM model was launched outside of Japan. The Civic Type R was priced at about RM199,800 when it was first launched in Malaysia.

The FD2 sedan was initially available in Japan, but as of November 2009, Honda imported the FN2 hatchback (which is also sold in Europe) in limited numbers (about 2,010 units), giving it the name Civic Type-R EURO. A second batch of 1,500 was imported in fall 2010 due to the initial sales success. The colour Crystal Black Pearl was added.

The Autocar magazine of the UK reported that the next generation Civic Type R would be confirmed for production at the Paris motor show in September 2012 and was previewed at the Geneva motor show in March 2014.[24][25] It will be the first factory turbocharged Civic Type R in the product line's history, competing more head-on with newer rivals in the segment like the Golf R and Focus RS.[26]

In January 2015, Honda announced that the production-ready model of the 4th Generation Civic Type R will debut at the 85th Geneva Motor Show alongside the European debut of the 2nd generation Honda NSX.[27]